A large crowd gathered in Melbourne today for a rally to oppose the potential sale of the iconic Regent Theatre. The rally, featuring several Lord Mayor candidates, presented Lord Mayor candidate Jamal Hakim and Deputy Lord Mayor candidate Esther Anatolitis highlighting the importance of preserving the theatre as a cornerstone of the city’s creative and economic ecosystem.
The Regent Theatre, which has been a cultural and historical institution in Melbourne for decades, is more than just a venue for performances. As Hakim and Anatolitis stressed, it is an integral part of Melbourne’s vibrant arts scene and a key driver of local business and tourism.
“The Regent is not just an institution; it’s a hive of activity right in the centre of our city, impacting businesses, residents, and our visitor economy. To casually suggest its for sale is a disgrace,” Jamal Hakim said, speaking to a crowd of passionate supporters outside the theatre. “This isn’t just about a building—it’s about the heartbeat of Melbourne’s cultural life.”
Hakim and Anatolitis have been vocal advocates for Melbourne’s arts and culture sector throughout their campaign and throughout their careers. Last week, they committed $2 million to expand the City of Melbourne’s successful Creative Spaces program as part of their Future Postcode 3000, a policy they plan to build on if elected. “Esther and I will always work hard to support our creative industry and businesses with real policy that has impact today and into the future,” Hakim said. “This $2 million commitment is just the beginning.”
Anatolitis echoed Hakim’s sentiments, underscoring the need for a comprehensive strategy to support Melbourne’s arts community. “I’m so glad we’re talking about the arts as part of this campaign – now let’s start taking it seriously. Arts and culture require a whole-of-ecosystem approach, and this is not it,” she said. “Selling off a cultural icon like the Regent Theatre diminishes an arts sector that’s already in crisis. Jamal Hakim will lead urgent initiatives as Lord Mayor that support artists and creative businesses for the benefit of the entire municipality.”
The rally drew a diverse group of attendees, from theatre lovers to local business owners, all united in their belief that the Regent Theatre is worth fighting for.
“The Regent Theatre brings people to this part of Melbourne. Without it, small businesses will suffer. It’s not just a theatre—it’s a lifeline for many.”
Hakim urged Melburnians to continue advocating for the theatre and the broader arts community. “We need to protect our cultural institutions, not sell them off. The Regent Theatre is part of what makes Melbourne special, and we won’t stand by and let it be taken away.”
As the crowd dispersed, it was clear that the movement to save the Regent Theatre was gaining momentum. With Hakim and Anatolitis at the forefront, the fight to preserve Melbourne’s cultural heritage continues to gather support.